Wood Paneling: Before-and-After Makeovers

Nothing dates a home like lackluster wood paneling. We've rounded up some of our favorite transformations that take these spaces from outdated to elevated.

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July 16, 2019

By: Morgan Faulkner

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Photo By: Paul Ladd/AP Images

Photo By: Jill Hunter/AP Images

Photo By: Courtesy of the homeowners

Photo By: Max Kim-Bee, Styled By: Liz Strong

Photo By: Chris Amaral

Photo By: Courtesy of the homeowners

Photo By: Max Kim-Bee, Styled By: Liz Strong

Photo By: Paul Ladd/AP Images

Photo By: Jill Hunter/AP Images

Photo By: David A. Land

Photo By: Paul Ladd/AP Images

Photo By: Jill Hunter/AP Images

Photo By: Todd Douglas/ Getty Images

Photo By: Sarah Wilson/ Getty Images

Before: Drab and Boring

Although a good-sized space, the dark wood paneling and old shag carpet are in desperate need of a renovation in this worn bedroom.

After: Light and Airy

Brother vs. Brother's Drew Scott transformed this bedroom from drab to fab! Crisp white walls, shades of blue and coral accents make this space an ideal spot for total relaxation.

Before: Shades of Brown

Before renovations, this living room was completely overtaken by wood and shades of brown. All the wood paneling made for quite the eyesore.

From: HGTV Magazine

After: Bold Bright White

After renovations, the space is transformed into a modern-chic living room with fun, trendy accents. A clean, white hue coats the room's walls and fireplace for a much-needed breath of fresh air.

See More Photos: A Cleverly Updated Nashville Family Home

From: HGTV Magazine

Before: Stuck in the '70s

This den was the family's favorite place to hang out together, but the wood paneling and faux beams had the room stuck 50 years past.

After: Cozy Family Room

Pine ceiling beams and floors and an abundance of natural light offer sharp contrast to the deep navy blue walls in this cozy, rustic family room, as seen on HGTV's Cousins Undercover.

Before: Wood Paneling Overkill

Full of floor-to-ceiling wood paneling, brown cabinets and outdated appliances, this home's kitchen is majorly needing a makeover.

From: HGTV Magazine

After: Sleek and Modern Kitchen

The trapped-in-time kitchen was modernized with a Carrara marble tile backsplash, honed statuary marble counters and stainless steel appliances. Although the layout didn't change, the room feels more spacious thanks to the bright and airy color palette.

See More Photos: A Cleverly Updated Nashville Family Home

From: HGTV Magazine

Before: Outdated Kid's Room

This bedroom, prior to renovations, has a plethora of outdated features such as the wood-paneled walls, shag carpeting and pull blinds.

After: Nautical Retreat

As seen on Brother vs. Brother, the brown-and-gray bedroom is now brimming with shades of vibrant blues and whites that make this space perfect for a seaside retreat.

Before: Trapped in Time

Despite the large, front-facing window, this living room still feels drab thanks to the outdated wood-paneled wall and dark window trim.

From: HGTV Magazine

After: Homey Living Space

Home renovators tore out the out-of-style paneled wall and painted the room a pale green for a lively transformation. The window trim was painted a stark white to add even more brightness to this transitional living room.

See More Photos: A Night-Shift Home Renovation

From: HGTV Magazine

Before: Needs Some Updating

Commercial-grade carpet and tired wood paneling make this room lack the charm it deserves.

After: The Power of Paint

It's crazy what a little paint can do. Leanne and Steve Ford of Restored by the Fords transformed this living room into a comfy and cozy gathering space with the help of massive leather Chesterfield sofas and bright-white paint.

Before: Lackluster, Cramped Bathroom

The interior of this cramped bathroom screams old-fashioned, from the wood-paneled walls to the pea-green sink.

After: Breezy and Radiant Remodel

As seen on Brother vs. Brother, the newly remodeled bathroom is full of life. Breezy blue and bright white combine for a space that's now just as practical as it is pretty.

Before: Dull and Flat

Here, the wood paneling has been painted before but has since become stained and dingy.

From: Erin Napier

After: French Country Chic

Home Town's Erin and Ben Napier created a classy, French country-inspired living room that is now warm and welcoming.

From: Erin Napier

Before: Dark Dungeon

This bonus room seems more like a dungeon with dark wood paneling and a lack of windows. The room is spacious but needs some major work to become inviting and comfortable.

From: Chip Gaines

After: Contemporary Game Room

With the paneling removed, the space feels opened up with the help of light gray paint and new flooring. Thanks to Fixer Upper's Chip and Joanna Gaines, the whole family can now enjoy the bonus room in comfort and style.

From: Chip Gaines

Before: Dark Entryway

Before renovations, this home's entryway looks like a sight straight out of the 1960s and '70s.

After: Warm and Inviting Entryway

After renovations, the home is brought back to the modern age. Decorative accessories, patterned curtains and slate blue walls add visual interest to the new space, as seen on Property Brothers.

Wood Paneling: Before-and-After Makeovers

Related To:

Shop This Look

Before: Drab and Boring

After: Light and Airy

Before: Shades of Brown

After: Bold Bright White

Before: Stuck in the '70s

After: Cozy Family Room

Before: Wood Paneling Overkill

After: Sleek and Modern Kitchen

Before: Outdated Kid's Room

After: Nautical Retreat

Before: Trapped in Time

After: Homey Living Space

Before: Needs Some Updating

After: The Power of Paint

Before: Lackluster, Cramped Bathroom

After: Breezy and Radiant Remodel

Before: Dull and Flat

After: French Country Chic

Before: Dark Dungeon

After: Contemporary Game Room

Before: Dark Entryway

After: Warm and Inviting Entryway

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40 Incredible Before-and-After Bathroom Makeovers 81 Photos

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